Preparations for Harambee Stars ahead of their international friendly matches against Lesotho have reportedly been affected by accommodation challenges following the team’s arrival in South Africa.
According to claims shared by sports journalist Kevin Teya on Tuesday, June 2, members of the Kenyan national football team reportedly rejected the hotel initially booked for them in Pretoria, describing the accommodation as unsuitable for a national team camp.
The reports emerged shortly after Harambee Stars arrived in South Africa ahead of two scheduled friendly matches against Lesotho.
Teya further alleged that the squad later relocated to another hotel, where fresh challenges reportedly arose regarding payment arrangements.
According to the claims, management at the second hotel initially requested full payment before allowing the team to check in.
The hotel’s management is said to have later agreed to accept payment for a single night’s stay while awaiting further settlement arrangements.
Also Read: Benny McCarthy Makes Changes to Harambee Stars Squad Days After Unveiling 24 Players
The journalist further reported that players and officials were left waiting in the hotel lobby for several hours as discussions over payment continued.
However, the claims have not been independently verified.
The Kenya Times reached out to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for comment regarding the allegations, including the reported rejection of the initial hotel, the alleged payment dispute, and claims that players and officials were stranded while awaiting clearance to check in. FKF, however, had not responded by the time of publication.
Harambee Stars land in South Africa ahead of friendlies
The reported developments come as the Kenyan national team continues preparations for two friendly matches against Lesotho scheduled to be played in Pretoria.
Kenya is expected to face Lesotho in a two-legged international friendly series, with the first match set for June 4 at Lucas Moripe Stadium before the two sides meet again at the same venue three days later.
The friendlies are part of head coach Benny McCarthy’s efforts to continue building his squad ahead of upcoming continental assignments, including preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Also Read: FKF Announces Final Phase of FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales: How to Buy
The South Africa camp follows changes to Kenya’s initial international program. Harambee Stars had initially been expected to face Kyrgyzstan and Palestine before FKF announced adjustments to the schedule, citing logistical challenges.
McCarthy has also made several alterations to his squad since its initial announcement.
Job Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, Amos Nondi and Brian Omondi were among players dropped from the original squad, while additional call-ups were made ahead of the South Africa trip.
Speaking before the team departed for South Africa, McCarthy described the matches as an important opportunity to assess players, particularly Kenyan footballers based abroad whom the technical bench has had limited opportunities to evaluate.
The coach noted that the end of the club season presented an ideal opportunity to observe new players and continue building a competitive team ahead of future tournaments.
‘‘The two friendly matches came at a good time because it was just that the season is finished and we have a lot of new Kenyan-based players that are playing abroad and that we haven’t had an opportunity to watch them unfortunately so now this gives us a good indication of to see the levels and the quality they have.’’
Kenya has already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, but continues to use international windows to strengthen the squad and improve cohesion.
Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Eritrea and Guinea for the qualification campaign.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
